"Suicide is a national problem...Suicide prevention is a national priority."

Senate Resolution #84 and House Resolution #212, unanimously passed during the 105th Congress

What to Do if You Spot the Signs

People who attempt suicide often send out warning signs before they actually make an attempt. These signs may be loud and clear, or low-key and subtle. Knowing how to recognize these signs is the first step in taking action that could save someone's life. Read more

Call for help. Get in touch with your local crisis line for other ways to help.

Please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

Red Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio 1-888-628-9454

Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1

Coming Together to Care

Elderly Woman

Thanks for Attending the Coming Together to Care:
Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium

June 9-10, 2010
Marriott Austin North Hotel
2600 La Frontera Boulevard
Round Rock, Texas

Click here to view the 2010 Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium Presentations.

Coming Together To Care

Suicide in Texas is a serious public health concern-and one that might be addressed successfully through a coordinated and comprehensive approach aimed at prevention.

Consider the toll it is taking on our state:

  • Slightly more than six Texans die from suicide each day with more deaths overall by suicide than by homicide.
  • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Texans and the third leading cause of death among youth ages fifteen to twenty-four, and the second leading cause of death for college age students.
  • Regardless of age, males are more likely to die because of suicide than females.
  • Suicide rates (number of deaths per 100,000 population) tend to be highest among senior Texans and the largest numbers of deaths by suicide tend to be in the middle ages.
  • Suicide cuts across all ages, all ethnicities and both genders. Although Anglo white males have had the highest suicide rates, in Texas we have seen an increase in deaths by suicide for young African American males and an increase in deaths by suicide for middle aged women.
  • National surveys indicate that Hispanic female teens report the highest number of suicide attempts, and Texas has more reported attempts for this group than those reported nationally.

Ask the Question

Everyone in Texas can be a "gatekeeper" and help save a life by talking about suicide prevention. We call this the ASK suicide prevention process. Asking someone about suicide ("are you considering taking your life", Seeking more information about their situation and Referring them to help can save a life.

The heightened period of suicidality is a matter of hours so anything you can do to make it more difficult can prevent someone from completing a suicidal act. In addition, means restriction can make a difference and make it more difficult for individuals to kill themselves. Since firearms are the predominant means to suicide in Texas, locking them up or securing them with a trigger lock saves lives. Medication should also be kept in a secure area.